Culture of reading on the rise among Herat children

HERAT CITY (Pajhwok): A number of booksellers in western Herat province have expressed pleasure with the growing culture of reading among children.

They say parents have been encouraging their children to enter into friendship with books, which will enhance their knowledge on the one hand and keep them from unhealthy activities on the other.

Mehrdad, 8, says he has been motivated by his parents into reading books. His focus has been on stories about children and other day-to-day issues.

“I have a \very good fiction book about lying and kindness. I have learned from the book how to listen to and respect elders,” he told Pajhwok Afghan News.

Mohsa, another nine-year-old child, spoke about the pleasure of reading books. “I read books so much because they have delightful stories. A person who reads understands a lot of things.”

Muzhgan, 12, has been reading books for the past two years. Now she can write stories as well. “I wrote a story about winter vacation. I think all children should use their winter vacation to play and attend courses.”

Marzia, a woman from Herat City, said: “I take my daughter to book exhibitions for the children to choose books of her choice and I buy them for her.”

A number of booksellers, meanwhile, are pleased with the increasing sale of books in the province. Syed Mahmood, one of the booksellers, said: “Many parents are trying to encourage their children to read books.”

Aziz Ahmad, another bookseller, confirmed the sale of books for children had seen a spike in Herat province.

Parvez Mujib, a psychologist, said: “Reading helps improve the personality of the child besides honing their skills like sound thinking and accurate analysis.”